Srinagar, Jan 01: In response to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases across the country, the Health Department in Kashmir has proactively implemented comprehensive measures to address the escalating situation.
Speaking to reporters, Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather assured that the directorate is fully prepared to tackle any potential rise in COVID-19 cases.
“There is no need to worry. The Covid-9 has not increased. But we are maintaining alert. We have conducted mock drills. Oxygen facilities have been kept ready. Medicines, disposables, reagents and others requirements have been kept in hospitals,” the director said after the launch of the departmental calendar 2024 at DHSK Headquarter at Bemina.
Given the rise in fresh COVID-19 cases, Dr Rather appealed people that if the Covid-19 cases rise, they just need to take the precautionary measures and there is no need to worry.
“People should maintain hand hygiene, social distancing and wear face masks. In case people have more severe symptoms then they should move to hospitals,” the director said.
He also said that they follow the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India for any containment measure. The director said that they have not received any guidelines from the Union Government as of now for testing at the airport.
Health officials said that health workers are maintaining close vigil over Covid-19 and SOPs are followed whenever fresh Covid cases are reported.
“We have effectively handled the previous Covid-19 waves and we have a system in place to take any kind of case rise. Precautionary measures are being taken in hospitals and people also need to follow SOPs and cooperate with the authorities,” they said.
As per doctors although JN.1 is a mild variant that can cause throat infection, sneezing, etc. They also suggested that people need to take usual precautionary measures which were followed during Covid-19 waves in the past.
On Dec 18 the Union Health Ministry asked the Union Health Ministry states and Union Territories to remain vigilant in light of a rise in COVID-19 cases and the identification of the first case of the new JN.1 variant in the country.
